|
The
American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) defines a
valid veterinarian/client/patient relationship (VCPR) as
follows: “An appropriate veterinarian/client/patient
relationship will exist when: 1) the veterinarian has
assumed the responsibility for making medical judgments
regarding the health of the animal(s) and the need for
medical treatment, and the client (owner or other caretaker)
has agreed to follow the instructions of the veterinarian;
2) there is sufficient knowledge of the animal(s) by the
veterinarian to initiate at least a general or preliminary
diagnosis of the medical condition of the animals(s). This
means that the veterinarian has recently seen and is
personally acquainted with the keeping and care of the
animal(s) by virtue of an examination of the animal(s)
and/or by medically appropriate and timely visits to the
premises where the animal(s) are kept; and when (3) the
practicing veterinarian is readily available for follow-up
in case of adverse reactions or failure of the regimen of
therapy.
A valid
VCPR is mandatory if drugs are to be used in an
“extra-label” manner on your farm. You need the benefit of a
valid VCPR to make sure you are following the veterinarian’s
instructions properly. In some programs the decisions are
made by a variety of individuals, the producer, the feed
supplier, or the neighbor. Having many people involved can
easily lead to milk and meat residue problems.
The
second part of a valid VCPR emphasizes the word “valid.”
Much of this responsibility is on your veterinarian. He or
she must visit your facilities to see and be personally
acquainted with your animal care.
The
third part of the VCPR is commitment on your veterinarian’s
part. It is important that the veterinarian is available to
follow up in cases of adverse reactions or failures of the
regimen therapy.
The SD
BQA/CMP Program involves maintaining a relationship with an
accredited, licensed veterinarian for all producers wishing
to be certified as SD BQA/CMP producers. This “third-party
verification” is becoming increasingly important to
customers purchasing feeder cattle as well as packers
purchasing animals for harvest and consumer safety.
Back to Section 9
Back
Continue to section 10 |
